New Technology in Specialty Training Arena

The Prime Power School has incorporated the Deployable Power Generation Distribution System (DPGDS) into the training curriculum. The DPGDS system will replace the current Prime Power system in the field.

The DPGDS was developed by Caterpillar and features the 3456 Caterpillar Engine and Caterpillar’s SR4 Generator. The Generator System is configured with two 460KW Generators in a single housing, and the Primary Distribution Center (PDC) on the same chassis. This unit can be operated remotely, using a Laptop computer (tough book), or from the control panel. The unit features Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s) for monitoring and controlling all aspects of operation. The system is design with an Electronic Technician (E-Tool) which interfaces with on board programs to display stored data and assist the maintenance technician during troubleshooting and calibration procedures. With a need for power that is both mobile and reliable the, 21P training is cutting edge in the Power Generation Field. As such we here are committed to providing the finest, most challenging, and rewarding training available to ensure that the 21P soldiers and sailors that graduate are the most proficient in the industry.

Instrumentation is the lead element for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s) featured in this generator system.

The soldiers portrayed below are constructing circuits (Bread boarding) and learning to operate test equipment utilized throughout instrumentation training:

Mechanical Specialty concentrates on the operation and performance of diesel engines.

The soldiers below are utilizing the Electronic Technician (E-Tool) to troubleshoot the DPGDS Generator Assembly.
Photo of Soldiers using cat E-Tools to analyze a generator engine

In Electrical Specialty the DPGDS Primary Distribution Center (PDC), alternator assembly and circuit breaker maintenance skills are taught.

Soldiers below are perfecting their skills in underground Cable fault location utilizing the Acoustic Detection System, (PLF4000). Students learn to perform cable route trace, surge generator operation (Thumping) and Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) testing.

Photo of Soldiers conducting a cable fault location exercise
Photo of Soldiers inputting the sound into the ground for a cable fault locator

Performing maintenance and testing the operation of the vacuum contactor.

Photo of Soldiers performing maintenance and testing the operation of the vacuum contractor

Performing an integrity test on a vacuum bottle.

Photo of a Soldier performing an integrity test on a vacuum bottle